Caroline Morton, Director at Carney CDM.
Tell us about your role at Carney CDM
I provide the principal designer and Construction Design and Management (CDM) advisor role.
My role is in line with the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2015 and I work with the duty holders on a project (the client, designers, principal contractor and contractors) to ensure that health and safety is at the forefront of design decisions.
Predominantly we work within the pre-construction stage, working with the client to ensure all information is provided in a clear and concise form to all designers, and that the pre-construction stage is planned, managed and monitored. We also lead design risk workshops with all parties to confirm significant risks are identified and solutions are provided as early in the project as possible to eliminate or reduce any health and safety risks in both the construction phase and the end users of the scheme. This is monitored throughout the project with a live document we developed called the CDM Significant Risk Register. We then work into the construction phase liaising with the principal contractor to ensure any changes at this stage consider the health and safety impact.
Our company also has many organisations we support and we are passionate about, including the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) where I chair the North East region – it is fantastic to work with such a hands-on committee encouraging women into and supporting and retaining women in our industry.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety of projects I get to work on – these vary from residential schemes, education, healthcare, leisure schemes, infrastructure. Every scheme brings its own challenges and rewards! I also love working collaboratively with others.
What’s your proudest business achievement?
Becoming a director of Carney CDM.
What challenges have you encountered?
Coming into the industry as a young female engineer, I had times when I found it hard to be heard and taken seriously. Thankfully, there have been very few occasions and I have had a fantastic support group around me (Angela Carney, Victoria Beattie and Emma Hedley to name a few), both male and female, who have guided me throughout my career. It is why I feel so passionately about working with groups like NAWIC to ensure everyone in our industry feels appreciated in their career, no matter their gender or background!
How has the industry changed since you began your career?
Careers in the industry are more accessible now, apprenticeships are really taking off and seen as a major route into a successful career. Although I loved my time at University I would definitely choose the working apprenticeship route now if I did it all again.
Is there a mantra you aspire to do business by?
Treat others how you want to be treated and I believe everything in life is driven by communication. Positive communication between teams, clients, managers etc is paramount to a good business.
How do you like to unwind?
Go to the coast – either a long walk with Alfie my dog, swim in Cullercoats Bay or head out on the paddleboard!
